I got the fever (an overdue return to running update)

When I last left you (about a month ago), I was updating you on week 1 of my post-baby, return to running program. My intent was to do an update after every week.

Whoops.

As a former marathoner, now turned Couch to 5Ker, I asked the Loop for support to keep me motivated. I asked you all to hold me accountable for my workouts. But mostly, I asked that you keep me in line with this slow paced return to running program so that I did not add on mileage to quickly or push myself too hard or get all race happy and chuck the whole "ease back into things" theory right out the window.

Whoops again.

I guess it's kinda hard for y'all to keep me in line when I don't blog to you about my shinanegans, huh.

So ... this is what happened. Midway through week 2 of this return to running program, I got the fever. You all know the fever. That illness that pops up when you're looking at your workout shedule and you see that there is something MAJOR missing. You see all these scheduled runs and their prospective mileage, and then ...... nothing. There's no closure at the end of that schedule. No light at the end of the tunnel, if you will. And then you realize what the something MAJOR thats missing is ..... a race.

Then you start researching races. You think "I'll find one several months out because I'm just getting back into this running thing and I need time to properly increase my mileage". Then you think "well, I could probably do one in a couple months". Then you think "oh look, a race next week". And then it's all over.

I didn't misbehave to the level of racing a week after I returned to running, but I misbehaved a little .... and week 2 of my Return to Running program was promptly switched to a Half Marathon Training Schedule. My "I won't race until fall" turned into "I have a race in 6 weeks" (well ... now it's 4 weeks). Six weeks, though. That's not so bad, right? Plenty o' time to ramp up the ol' mileage fairly slowly.

Whoops.

Turns out I can't even follow THAT schedule. Two days after my first four miler in 4 months, I joined up with some friends that were planning six. "I'll just do the first 4 with you girls", I said. Annnnndddd .... six miles later I completed the run.

Then the day of my "long" run comes, and my schedule calls for five miles. I think "well, I've already done six so I'll do six again". Then the running buddies send out a message ... "hey, who wants to meet Saturday for eight miles". "I will", I said ... "but I'll just do the first six". I did the first six, then I did two more. Then we added one more on top of that ... just for ****s and giggles. My six miler was completed ... NINE miles later.

Then the schedule calls for my "long" run of seven. Someone sends out another message asking for company for nine miles. Well ... at this point, why the hell not?!?!

So now I'm at the point where going back to following my schedule is impossible. When it calls for an easy three, I chuckle and do five. When it calls for rest, I cross train. When it calls for a long run, I do longer.

Distance is a disease, I tell you. A DISEASE.

So far I'm feeling great and having no issues with aches and pains (other than that glorious sore feeling that goes along with a good workout). I've been keeping on top of my strength and cross-training also ... which has always been an issue for me ... and one of the top reasons why I believe I've spent so much time on the DL. I've been getting in a solid 6 days of workouts (4 running, 2 XT) and I feel like I'm starting to get back into shape. The flabdominals have a little less FL. There is a bit less jiggle when I run. I can (almost) breathe when I button my pants. My speed (relative term) isn't quite back, but my mileage is. *Hopefully* the speed will come next. Nothing can stand in my way!!!! NOTHING.

Ok ... maybe something. Because yesterday I returned to work after a glorious 10 weeks of maternity leave. Funny how that dang 40+ hour a week commitment (plus 2 kids) can put a damper on time allowed for exercise.

Oh well ... all I can do is keep at it as best I can and attempt to get back into a "scheuduling my training around my stupid work" routine.

This weekend calls for an 8 miler. I think I'll go for 10. Or maybe more ..........

Wow - you're crazy girl!!! I guess you're right - it is a disease!! Good for you that you feel well enough and with enough energy to start upping your mileage so quickly after having your baby. Races on the schedule will definitely motivate you! You go girl

I had the opposite. Despite a really good experience running while pregnant, after having E I kept getting hit by niggles and pains. Lots of hip / back / core stuff based on imbalances and weaknesses from baby.

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